What can I do about gay rights?

Question

I am only 14 years old, but that shouldn't matter.

How is there anyway I can support gay rights; i.e protest, petitions, marches, etc.

Especailly within the Nations Capital, DC

Answer 1

Protests and marches do very little, especially with the current conservative media which does not cover most of it all. Petitions may do some change, but probably not a lot.

I'd say vote, but you're too young, so try volunteering to help whatever politicians in your area might need it, especially with the presidential election coming up next year. Volunteer for the politician you believe will be the most progressive for your country.

Also by far the most important thing you can ever do is educate people. So learn about LGBT people, and help others to learn about us. Also work on changing your corner of the world, namely at 14, your school.

Answer 2

Join your high school's Gay-Straight Alliance.

If there isn't one, start one:
How to start a Gay-Straight Alliance:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/start.html

Write to your congressional representatives to promote acceptance of gays in the military, repeal of the "Defense of Marriage Act," and voting in favor of adding sexual orientation to the national hate-crimes law.

Write to your state legislators to help promote gay marriage (or at least civil unions), anti-discrimination laws, and hate-crimes legislation.

If there is no gay marriage within your state, testify before your local government bodies to encourage them to offer domestic partner benefits to municipal employees.

Get your minister/ rabbi/ priest/ etc. to invite a gay and/or lesbian chorus to perform at a worship service.

Ask your church to become an open and affirming congregation (if you're a member of a protestant Christian church).

Observe the National Day of Silence.
http://www.dayofsilence.org/

Whenever possible, bring up the issue of homophobia as expressed in ridicule ("That's so gay!") or jokes. It's only funny if no one is getting hurt or stereotyped.

And National Coming Out Day is October 11. If you are gay, you can use that day to promote coming out. If you are not, you can use it to encourage those gay people around you who are gay and need support to become more open about themselves.

Doing any single one of these things will help; doing more than one will help even more. And all are available for even a 14-year-old to do. Protest marches are great, but the real power lies in changes that governments make, and in order to make change the legislators need to know that their jobs depend on protecting the rights of their gay constituents.

Great question!

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 3

Just be proud of who you are, and don't let anybody tell you that you are wrong. We need more people to be very open about being gay. Too many guys on the closet. Sooner or later they would recognize and accept our rights. We need more voices to fight for gay rights.

Answer 4

You should go to D.C. on June 7th and celebrate the pride parade with me. ATTENTION ALL GAYS, capital pride is JUNE SEVENTH!!!!!!

Answer 5

you should never support such ideas. think it over

Answer 6

turn gays straight THEN THEY HAVE THEIR RIGHTS!!!